Racing Lines
Art by Maxine Dodd
La Vuelta a España -2018: Stage 1 – Kwiatowski riding past the people – study
Posted on August 30, 2018
Hola! Here’s my last sketch study from the time trial on Stage 1, this time showing Team Sky’s Michal Kwiatowski approaching the line at great speed to take the lead. His team mate Dylan van Baarle had held set a great time early on, but Kwiatowski put in a tremendous time, looking as though he would take his first stage win. It was not to be, but this moment looked great – at least for a while!
Kwiatowski riding past the people
Tour de France 2018: Stage 11 – Getting close….
Posted on July 25, 2018
Much of the focus of this year’s race has been on these two riders – Chris Froome and, from this stage onwards, Geraint Thomas. Fantastic riding from them both and Thomas took the Yellow Jersey just a few seconds after this… I dare not say anymore as the finish is so close now!
Stage 11 – Getting close… Thomas and Froome
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Tour de France 2015: Stage 21 – Sèvres, Grand Paris Seine Ouest to Paris Champs-Élysées
Posted on July 27, 2015
Bonjour! Stage 21, the final stage in Paris sets the seal on the Tour. Regarded by some as a procession or show stage, there is still the matter of the Yellow Jersey completing the course before the phenomenal final sprint on the Champs-Élysées. Not quite so predictable on this occasion, as the roads were made treacherous by torrential rain. The day in Paris began as last year, with the new women’s race, La Course. I felt compelled to include this as the racing was just outstanding. (A full post especially dedicated to it will follow) After this breathtaking race, the men’s Tour exploded onto the great Paris streets, with another momentous victory for Andre Greipel. What an extraordinary Tour this has been? Just wonderful! As a British fan, I share the delight for Team Sky and Chris Froome – a great achievement for them. Congratulations! Here are my drawings:
Tour de France 2015: Stage 15 – Mende to Valence
Posted on July 20, 2015
Bonjour! Stage 15 pressed on through the stunning scenery beside the rivers Ardèche and Rhone towards the Alps. The conditions were hot with the Tramontane wind’s influence. In spite of the hills and climbs, there was a chance for the sprinters on the flat at the finish – really the last before Paris, so there was much to chase for the key riders. Team Katusha looked strong in the earlier part of the stage, Team Sky continued to hold their position, but the excitement came at the close, where four sprinters charged for the line. Another great performance from Andre Greipel who took the win, although the Green Jersey remained with Peter Sagan. Here are my drawings:
Just in case you were wondering…the pictures featured here are available to buy. The Picture Information page has full details about them including; sizes, framing and prices. You can order a painting by email on maxine@maxinedodd.com
Thanks very much! 🙂
All images copyright Maxine Dodd
Tour de France 2015: Stage 10 – Tarbes to La Pierre-Saint-Martin
Posted on July 16, 2015
Bonjour! Stage 10 on Bastille Day, was the first of three days in the Pyrenees, following a great course through the foothills, up into the mountains and finishing with a testing climb. The dazzling performance of the day came from Chris Froome, who broke away with 6km to go and left everyone behind, almost dancing on the bike up to the finish. This was an astounding performance, securing the King of the Mountains jersey as well as retaining Yellow. He won on Bastille day the year he won the Tour, perhaps too soon to assume that history will repeat itself, but we’ll see. This win was one to relish!
Here are my drawings:
Tour de France 2015: Stage 9 – Vannes to Plumelec
Posted on July 15, 2015
Bonjour! A team time-trial provided the excitement on Stage 9, before the rest day and the first real mountain stages in the Pyrenees on Tuesday. Time trials show the technique of riding so well and it’s a delight to see a well-practiced team moving like a machine, absorbing the air to go faster. This course was unusually placed in the Tour and with a sharp kick-climb at the end, really tested each teams’ skills. There are several masters of this discipline, including the current world champions, BMC – who are a joy to watch. They took the win from Sky by one second. Phew! On to the mountains…
Here are my drawings:
La Vuelta 2014: Stage 16, San Martín del Rey Aurelio to La Farrapona
Posted on September 15, 2014
Hola! The third day in the mountains. Better weather than yesterday revealed the mountains in their glory, not to mention a great stage for Contador and Froome, battling it out uphill, while Cancellara showed how to handle a descent! Here are my drawings:
La Vuelta 2014: Stage 15, Oviedo to Lagos de Covadonga
Posted on September 15, 2014
Hola! The second of three days in the northern mountain ranges. Beautiful course through with amazing camber to the roads, made worse by the mist and rain. Incredible stage. Here are my drawings:
La Vuelta 2014: Stage 14, Santander to La Camperona. Valle de Sabero
Posted on September 12, 2014
Hola! Up to the top of Spain and the wonderful landscapes of the Picos – but very tough climbing for the riders! Again, they amaze with their tenacity. From a British fan’s perspective this was a great day for Team Sky, who have gradually made their way up the standings. Chris Froome pulled out all the stops and is now in third place overall, but the red jersey remains firmly with the brilliant Contador. Here are my drawings:
